A total of 48 pupils from four schools – one from each district the Tour passes through: Uttlesford, Braintree, Chelmsford and Epping Forest – are taking part in the Essex Young Tour Makers programme ahead of the historic race’s arrival on Monday, July 7.

They are being taught how to run arts and sports workshops for younger children, including making handheld flags and leading sports activities with a Tour de France theme.

Following the training, the Essex Young Tour Makers will deliver these workshops to children in primary schools.

Cllr Ann Naylor, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The Essex Young Tour Makers programme provides young people with the opportunity to bring the Tour de France to life in Essex.

“The enthusiasm of the young people involved is infectious and I think that will rub off on the primary school children taking part in the workshops.

“Being involved in the Tour de France is an experience all the children will remember for the rest of their lives, and I believe it will inspire them to get involved in more sporting and cultural activities in the future.”

Gary Sullivan, chairman of Active Essex, said: “An important part of staging the Tour de France in Essex is ensuring young people benefit from it and learn something from it.

“The Essex Young Tour Makers involved in the programme will not only learn more about getting active, but also take away valuable skills like presenting to others and leadership which will help them later in life.

“It’s a very practical example of how the Tour de France is benefitting young people in our county and great fun too.”